Masonry box positioning support

ABSTRACT

An electrical box support is provided for coupling to the side wall of an electrical box to support the electrical box in an opening formed in a hollow core building block. The support has a flange at the front edge and tab at a front edge that clips onto the side wall of the electrical box. A spring member extends from a rear side edge and curls toward the front edge. The spring member has an end that is directed toward the front edge and spaced from the flange a distance to contact the inner surface of the block while the flange contacts the outer surface of the block. The tab at the front edge of the support has a hook for engaging an inner edge of the electrical box to couple the support to the electrical box and to prevent sliding of the support on the electrical box.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a support bracket for mounting anelectrical box. In particular, the invention is directed to anelectrical box support for supporting and positioning an electrical boxin an opening in a hollow core building block and to a method formounting the electrical box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During construction of a wall it is desirable to mount an electricaljunction box in a manner so that the electrical junction box does notmove or shift during construction of the wall and during use aftercompletion of the structure. Numerous mounting devices have beenproposed for permanently and/or temporarily mounting electrical boxes inthe cavity of a wall during construction.

The standard outlet boxes often require mechanical fasteners to securethe electrical box permanently in place to a wall stud or other supportstructure. The mechanical fasteners are usually positioned to orient theelectrical box in the desired location so that the outer edge of theelectrical box is flush with the outer face of the wall.

The mounting of electrical boxes in concrete structures generallyrequires a different mounting assembly for holding the electrical box inposition while the wall is being formed. In addition, concrete wall andbuilding block walls do not enable the usual fasteners that are used inwood walls and studs since nail, screws and other fasteners cannot beeasily driven into the wall. Electrical boxes are required to be securedto the wall to prevent movement of the box after installation. Hollowconcrete blocks provide a particular difficulty in mounting electricalboxes since there are no surfaces that can readily accommodatefasteners.

Various methods have been proposed for mounting or supporting electricalboxes during construction of the concrete walls and block walls. Onemanner of mounting the electrical box is to provide a sheet metal formwith various tabs that can hold the electrical box in position while thecement or mortar sets. These devices often require the device to bepositioned between the joints during the construction of the wall whichcan interfere with the structural integrity of the joint. These devicesalso require the use of cement or mortar to hold the support in place.

Various devices and methods have been proposed for mounting anelectrical box during construction. One example is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 2,581,755 to Dieffenderfer which discloses an electricalconnection box having a bracket member for mounting to the outer sidesof the walls of the box. The brackets are folded to form an outwardlyprojecting flange and overlap the front side of the wall. Slots areprovided for receiving mounting screws to attach the bracket to the box.The bracket has inwardly projecting bendable arms with weakened zonesand straps integral with the arms that are folded in a reversedirection. The electrical box and the brackets are inserted into theopening in the wall and the straps are folded outwardly causing the armsto bend and contact the inner surface of the wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,736,450 to Atkinson discloses an outlet box securingdevice. The securing device has a hook portion for contacting the outeredge of the electrical box, a flat portion extending from the hookportion and a spring arm forming a U-shaped loop. The spring arm has oneend that contacts the inside surface of the opening to apply a springforce between the side edge of the opening in the wall and theelectrical box.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,184,191 to Esoldi discloses an electrical box holderhaving legs formed in a U-shaped for engaging the open end of theelectrical box. The center leg of the holder is pulled outwardly withrespect to the electrical box causing the body of the holder to bend 90°and contact the inner surface of the wall. The center leg is then foldedover the edge of the electrical box.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,337,168 to Albrecht discloses an electrical box supporthaving a pair of outwardly extending legs that are inserted through theopening in the wall to contact the inner surface of the wall. Tabs arethen folded over the front edge of the electrical box to secure theelectrical box in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,667 to Ginsberg discloses an electrical switch boxsupport having an outer wall for contacting the outer surface of thewall and an inner wall contacting the inner surface of the wall andforming a channel therebetween. The body of the support includes tabsthat are bent over the open edge of the electrical box to attach theelectrical box to the support.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,486 to Esoldi discloses an electrical box holderthat is inserted into the opening in the wall between the edges of theopening in the side wall of the electrical box. The holder includes abendable and collapsible center portion and leg extensions on each sideof the center portion. The leg extensions extend beyond the front faceof the electrical box and the wall and are pulled outwardly causing thecenter portion to bend and engage the inner surface of the wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,438 to Angell discloses an electrical box retainerhaving a U-shaped clip like member having an outwardly extending springbiased flange. The spring biased flange is inserted between the outeredge of the electrical box and the opening in the wall to contact theinner surface of the wall. The main body of the clip is bent over theinner edge of the electrical box.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,371 to Sarazen et al. discloses a mounting springfor a foundation vent. The spring clips to the front edge of the ventand has a pair of spring biased legs to contact the inner edge of theopening in the wall.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,244 to Walton discloses a similar mounting clip foran air diffuser. The mounting clip has a U-shaped portion that slidesonto the inner edge of the opening in the wall and an inwardly extendingleg to contact the outer surface of the vent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,264 to Reiker discloses an electrical box having aU-shaped mounting bracket is attached to the rear wall of the electricalbox. The mounting bracket has outwardly extending legs for supportingthe electrical box.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,277 to De Leu discloses an electrical box mountingstrap for supporting an electrical box within a cavity of the concreteblock. The mounting strap has a configuration to conform to the surfaceof the cavity of the block and has a leg portion to support the rear andside walls of the electrical box to prevent the electrical box frommoving inwardly into the cavity of the concrete block.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,266 to Faircloth discloses an electrical conduitsupport for use in concrete block. The support has a main body portionwith a plurality of openings for receiving the conduits and outwardlyextending tabs or flanges that contact the upper surface of the concreteblock and is captured between the adjacent concrete blocks.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,054 to Thomas et al. discloses a fastener for anelectrical box within a concrete block. The fastener has a frontportion, a center portion and an end portion. The end portion and thecenter portion of the fastener are inserted through the utility box withpart of the end portion extending beyond the back surface of the utilitybox. The front portion rests across the front surface of the utilitybox. The end portion is secured against the back surface of the utilitybox to maintain the position of the utility box within the wall.

While the prior devices are generally suitable for their intendedpurpose there is a continuing need in the industry for improved methodsand devices for mounting electrical boxes during construction ofconcrete and block walls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and to a device formounting an electrical box in a wall or other support structure. Theinvention is particularly directed to a bracket or support forpositioning an electrical box in the cavity of a hollow core buildingblock, such as a hollow concrete building block or masonry wall.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a support memberfor supporting an electrical box in an opening of a building blockduring construction of a wall or other structure.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a support that can becoupled directly to a standard electrical box and is able to support theelectrical box and position the electrical box in an opening in abuilding block.

The electrical box support of the invention is particularly suitable formounting and positioning the electrical box in an opening formed in ahollow core cement building block. The support is able to attachdirectly to the electrical box and to attach the electrical box to theblock without interfering with the construction of the wall and withoutthe use of cement, mortar, adhesives or fasteners to hold the supportand the electrical box in place. After completion of the wall or otherstructure, the mortar used in the construction can be used to fix theelectrical box within the opening in the block.

The electrical box support in one embodiment of the invention has a tabthat can clip onto a wall of the electrical box to fix the support tothe electrical box. The tab can have a hook, projection or barb that canengage a surface of the electrical box to attached the support to theelectrical box and prevent movement of the support relative to theelectrical box. In other embodiments, the support is attached to theelectrical box by welding.

The electrical box support is a one-piece unitary member formed fromsheet steel or other material that is cut and bent to the finished form.The support can be made of other material, such as plastic, that issufficiently strong and resilient to support the electrical box.

Accordingly, one feature of the invention is to provide a support thatis easily assembled with the electrical box and can easily slide and fitinto the opening formed in a building block for supporting theelectrical box. The support of the invention can be attached to astandard electrical box as known in the art without the need to modifythe box.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a support for anelectrical box having an outwardly extending spring biased tabconfigured for contacting the inner surfaces of the opening in abuilding block for retaining and positioning the electrical box withinthe opening during the construction of a wall or other structure. In oneembodiment of the invention, the support has an outwardly extendingflange for contacting the outer surface of the building block and aspring member for contacting the inner surface of the building blockwhere the spring biased tab is positioned between the flange and thespring member.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a support for anelectrical box to position the electrical box within an opening in abuilding block where the support has a removable or separable flange forcontacting the outer surface of the building block to position theelectrical box during construction. After installation of the electricalbox and construction of the wall or other structure, the flange can beseparated from the support. In one embodiment, the flange connected tothe support by a frangible portion forming a break line so that theflange can be separated from the support by bending along the breakline.

The various features and aspects of the invention are basically attainedby providing an electrical box support for mounting an electrical box inan opening of a hollow core building block. The support comprises asubstantially planar body configured for mating with a first side wallof the electrical box. The body has a first longitudinal end, a secondlongitudinal end, a first side edge and a second side edge. A tabextends from the first side edge of the body and is configured forcoupling the support to an open edge of the first side wall of theelectrical box to position the first side edge of the body adjacent tothe open outer edge of the electrical box. A flange is coupled to thefirst side edge of the body and extends substantially perpendicular to aplane of the body opposite the tab and has a dimension to contact anouter surface of the block and to orient the outer edge of theelectrical box at the outer surface of the block. A spring member havinga first end coupled to the second side edge of the body and a first legportion extending away from the body. A second contact end of the springmember extends towards the flange. The second contact end is springbiased toward the flange and is positioned to contact an inner surfaceof the block to capture the block between the flange and the second endof the spring member and support the electrical box in a hollow cavityof the block.

The features of the invention are also attained by providing anelectrical assembly comprising an electrical box and support. Theelectrical box has a first and a second side wall, a first and secondend wall and an open front. The electrical box support has a body with afirst longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side edge anda second side edge. A first tab extends from the first side edge of thebody and is configured for coupling to the first side wall of theelectrical box. A flange is coupled to the first side edge of the bodyand extends substantially perpendicular to a plane of the body. Theflange has a dimension to engage an outer surface of a hollow corebuilding block. A spring member has a first end coupled to the secondside edge of the body and a second end that is spring biased towards theflange and has a dimension to engage an inner surface of the buildingblock.

The features of the invention are also attained by a method of mountingan electrical box in an opening in a hollow core building block. Themethod comprises the steps of providing at least one electrical boxsupport and an electrical box. The electrical box support has asubstantially planar body having a first longitudinal end, a secondlongitudinal end, a first side edge and a second side edge. A springmember has a first end coupled to the second side edge of the body andextending away from the flange, and a second contact end extendingtowards the flange where the second contact end of the spring member isspring biased toward the flange. The electrical box and support assemblyis positioned in an opening in the hollow core building block and theflanges are positioned against an outer surface of the block. The springis biased into contact with an inner surface of the block to mount theelectrical box with an open front edge substantially flush with theouter surface of the block.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the invention, which taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings discloses various embodiments ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support and electrical box assemblyduring installation in a building block in one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the support and electrical box installed in thebuilding block;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support and electrical box assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support being coupled to theelectrical box;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the FIG. 4 showing the couplingtab of the support;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support in one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the support of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is left side view of the support;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the support;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the support;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the electrical box and support in a secondembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the electrical box and support of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the electrical box and support in anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the electrical box and support of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electrical box and support in asecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the electrical box and support ofFIG. 15 positioned in an opening in a building block;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the support of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the support of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the support of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is an end view of the support of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a top view showing the support and electrical box position inthe building block; and

FIG. 23 is a front view showing the electrical box positioned in thebuilding block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preset invention is directed to an electrical box support and to amethod of mounting an electrical box in an opening in a structure suchas a wall. The present invention is further directed to a support forretaining an electrical box in an opening formed in a hollow coremasonry building block or an opening in a concrete wall.

Referring to the drawings, the invention includes an electrical boxsupport 10 that can be attached to an electrical box 12 to form anelectrical box assembly. The electrical box 12 can be a standardelectrical box with standard dimensions and shapes. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the electrical box 12 is a single gang box having asubstantially rectangular configuration. In other embodiments, theelectrical box can be a multi gang box as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 11-14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the electrical box 12 has a pair of side walls14, end walls 16, a back wall and an open front 18 defined by the frontedges of the side walls 14 and end walls 16. In the embodiment shown,the electrical box 12 includes a mounting flange 20 extending inwardlyfrom each end wall 16 with a dimension for mounting the electricaldevice, such as a wall switch or receptacle. In the embodiment shown,the mounting flange 20 extends between the side walls 14 to form a lipprojecting into the opening 18 in the electrical box. Each mountingflange 20 includes a screw hole 22 for receiving a mounting screw toattach the electrical device to the box. An electrical conduit 23 can becoupled to the electrical box 12 to supply wires to the electrical boxand wiring device as known in the art.

For purposes of illustrating the features of the electrical box andsupport, the electrical device is not shown. It is to be understood thatthe electrical device can be any suitable electrical wiring device asknown in the art that is commonly mounted to an electrical box.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, the electrical box support 10 includes a body24 which is substantially planar and has a substantially rectangularconfiguration for complementing the dimensions of the electrical box 12.The body 24 has a first longitudinal end 26, an opposite secondlongitudinal end 28, a first side edge 30 forming a front edge and asecond side edge 32 forming the rear edge. As shown in FIG. 2, the body24 has a dimension to complement the dimensions of the side wall of theelectrical box 12 to lay flat against the side wall of the electricalbox. In one preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in thedrawings, two supports 10 are used in mounting the electrical box 12where a support 10 is attached to each of the side walls 14. Inpreferred embodiments of the invention, the support 10 is coupled to atleast one side wall 14 of the electrical box. In other embodiments, thesupport 10 can be coupled to one or more end walls or combinations ofthe end walls and side walls of the electrical box.

The support 10 in a preferred embodiment is made from sheet steel thatis cut and folded to form the various tabs and flanges. Preferably, thesteel has sufficient strength and resilience to secure the electricalbox in the opening of the building block as discussed hereinafter ingreater detail. Alternatively, the support can be made of other materialsuch as a molded one-piece plastic material.

The support is preferably a one piece unitary member. A first tab 34shown in FIG. 6 is provided for attaching the body 24 of the support 10to a wall, such as the side wall 14 of the electrical box 12 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. In one preferred embodiment, two tabs 34 are provided ator near each end of the body 24 along the front edge 30. As shown inFIG. 6, the tab 34 is formed by a leg 36 with a substantially U-shapehaving a first end 38 attached to the edge 30 and a second end extendingtoward the second side edge 32. The main portion 40 of the leg 36 isoriented substantially parallel to the plane of the body 24 and isspaced from the body 24 a distance corresponding substantially tothickness of the side wall 14 of the electrical box 12 for coupling thesupport to the side wall 14 by a friction fit. The end portion 42 isbent away from the plane of the leg and the body 24 to form a guide andassist in sliding the support onto the side wall of the electrical box.

The leg 36 has a projection or barb forming a hook 44 facing outwardlyfrom the respective longitudinal end of the body 24. The hook 44 isformed by an inclined edge 46 and an undercut shoulder 48 extendingsubstantially parallel to the front edge 30 of the body 24. In theembodiment shown, the hooks 44 and the tabs 34 are positioned next to oradjacent the respective longitudinal ends of the body and are spacedapart a distance to engage and coupled to the edge of the inwardlyextending mounting flanges 20 of the electrical box 12 as shown in FIG.4. The undercut shoulder 48 of the hook 44 in one embodiment engages aninner surface of the mounting flanges 20. The tabs 34 are preferablyspaced apart a distance so that each tab 34 engages and is coupled tothe mounting flanges 20 at the opposite ends of the electrical box 12 tolimit sliding of the support 10 within the opening along thelongitudinal dimension of the side wall of the electrical box. As shownin FIG. 9, the hook can extend outwardly from an end of the body 24. Inalternative embodiments, the end walls of the electrical box can beformed with an aperture or detent that is positioned to engage the hooks44 for coupling the supports 10 to the electrical box 12.

The support 10 in this embodiment of the invention is attached to theelectrical box by sliding the tabs 34 over the edge of the electricalbox so that the hooks snap onto or under the edges of the mountingflanges 20. Preferably, the tabs 34 are spaced apart a distancecorresponding to the space between the mounting flanges 20 so that theedges of the tabs 34 contact the mounting flanges 20 to reduce orprevent sliding of the support along the length of the side wall of theelectrical box 12. The hooks 44 also resist separation of the supports10 from the electrical box 12 during installation and during use, suchas when a force is applied to the electrical device and the electricalbox 12 that could otherwise cause the electrical box to separate fromthe support. The hooks 44 couple to the electrical box to fix theposition of the electrical box in the wall opening and prevent theelectrical box from falling into the wall cavity during use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-10, the body 24 of the support 10includes a second tab forming a coupling tab 50 for attaching thesupport to the side wall of the electrical box. A coupling tab 50 isprovided next to each of the tabs 34 at the ends of the side edge 30 ofthe body 24. In the embodiment shown, the coupling tabs 50 are spacedinwardly with respect to the tabs 34. The coupling tabs 50 are formed bya leg having a substantially U-shape with a first end 52 attached to thefirst side edge 26 and a second end extending toward the second sideedge 28. A main portion 54 of the coupling tabs 50 is substantiallyparallel to the plane of the body 24 and spaced from the body 24 adistance corresponding to the thickness of the wall of the electricalbox 12 so that the coupling tabs 50 grip the wall of the electrical boxby a friction fit. An end portion 56 of each coupling tab 50 is angledaway from the body 24 to assist in sliding the coupling tabs 50 onto thewall 14 of the electrical box 12 during installation. Preferably, thecoupling tabs 50 and the tabs 34 are oriented so that the front edge 30of the body is at or closely positioned to the front edge of theelectrical box.

A flange 60 extends outwardly from the front edge 30 of the body 24 toposition the support 10 and the electrical box 12 relative the wall ofthe support structure such as the building block 74 shown in FIG. 1 andFIGS. 11-14. The flange 60 extends substantially perpendicular to theplane of the body 24 in a direction opposite to tabs 34 and couplingtabs 50. In the embodiment shown, the flange 60 has longitudinal lengthless than the length of the body 24 and a width sufficient to contactthe outer surface of the building block and stabilize the electricalbox. In the embodiment shown, the flange 60 is formed by bending thesheet metal blank during manufacture of the support 10. In analternative embodiment, the flange 60 can be formed as a tab extendingparallel to the plane of the body 24. During installation of theelectrical box, the support can be positioned in the opening in theblock and then the flanges 60 can be bent flat against the surface ofthe block to the position shown.

The body 24 has a spring member 62 for contacting the inner edge of thebuilding block. In the embodiment shown, the spring member 62 is coupledto the rear side edge 32 of the body 24. Alternatively, the springmember 62 can be coupled to the front edge of the body 24 and positionedto extend away from the rear edge 32. In a preferred embodiment, twosprings 62 are provided at each end of the rear side edge 32. Eachspring 62 has a substantially U-shape and is formed by a first leg 64having a first end 66 coupled to the rear side edge 32 of the body 24,and a second leg 67 having a second distal end 68. The legs 64 and 67are connected by a connecting portion 69 as shown in FIG. 10. As shownin FIG. 10, the leg 64 is bent so that the distal end 68 forms a returnand extends toward the flange 60 and the front side edge 30. The distalend 68 is preferably spaced from the flange 60 a distance to enable theflange 60 and the distal end 68 of the spring member 62 to frictionallyengage the inner and outer surfaces of the building block. Preferably,the spring member 62 is formed from metal having sufficient resilienceto spring bias the distal end 68 toward the flange 60 to position theelectrical box with respect to the building block and secure theelectrical box in place during construction and during use of theelectrical box.

As shown in FIGS. 7-10, the end 68 of the leg 64 is formed withoutwardly extending tabs forming guide members 70 extending away fromthe plane of the end 68 and the spring 62. The guide members are angledwith respect to the leg 64 of the springs 62 at an angle sufficient toassist the ends 68 in sliding along the inner surface of the blockduring installation of the support 10.

In use, the support 10 is attached to the electrical box 12 by slidingthe tabs 34 and the coupling tabs 50 of the support 10 onto the sidewalls 14 of the electrical box 12 so that the flange 60 is positioned ator near the front edge of the electrical box 12. The hooks 44 aresnapped onto or under the inner edges of the mounting flanges 20 tosecure the support to the electrical box and to prevent sliding of thesupport relative to the electrical box. In preferred embodiments, asupport 10 is attached to each side of the electrical box 12 although inother embodiments a single support can be used depending of the locationof the electrical box, the dimensions of the opening in the buildingblock and the shape of the hollow cavity of the building block.Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly of the support 10 and the electricalbox 12 is positioned into an opening 72 cut or formed into a buildingblock 74 during construction of a wall. The building block 74 has acavity forming a hollow core 76 with an outer wall 78 having an outersurface 80 and an inner surface 82.

In the embodiment shown, the opening 72 is cut along an edge to form theopening 72 with an open side. The assembly of the support 10 and theelectrical box 12 slides into the opening 72 in the direction of arrow84. During the installation, the flange 60 contacts the outer surface 80of the block 74 and the distal end 68 of the spring 62 contacts theinner surface 82. The angled guides 70 enable the distal ends 68 of thespring 62 to slide along the inner surface 82 during installation. Thespring 60 biases the distal end 68 to contact the inner surface 82 ofthe block 74 with sufficient force to retain the support 10 and theelectrical box 12 in place during construction of a wall and to retainthe electrical box in a fixed position during use of the electrical boxand prevent separation and movement of the electrical box with respectto the block 74.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, the support 10 is attacheddirectly to the side walls of the electrical box 12. In anotherembodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support 10 is coupled anelectrical box 88 having an extension collar 86 in substantially thesame manner as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10. The collar 86 isattached to the electrical box 88 which has a dimension larger than theopening in the block. A cover plate 90 extending from the base of thecollar 88 is attached to the open end of the electrical box 88. Thecollar 86 in the embodiment shown has a dimension for supporting anelectrical wiring device and includes inwardly extending flanges 92 atthe end wall 94 for fixing the hooks 44 of the support 10 to the openend of the collar 86 as shown in FIG. 12 in a manner similar to theprevious embodiment.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the electrical box 94 is shown asa three gang box for supporting a plurality of electrical devices. Theconstruction of the electrical box 94 is substantially the same as theelectrical box 12. The support 10 is attached to the electrical box 94is the same manner as in the previous embodiment by the tabs and hooks44.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-22, an electrical box support 90is attached to the side walls 92 of an electrical box 94 as an assembly.The electrical box 94 and the support 90 are configured for sliding intoan opening 96 formed in a hollow core building block 98 as in theprevious embodiment.

The support 90 has a body 100 with a first longitudinal end 102, asecond longitudinal end 104, a first side edge 106 and a second sideedge 108. The body 100 has a substantially planar configuration formating with the side wall 92 of the electrical box 94. In the embodimentshown, the body 100 is attached to the side wall 92 by spot welds atwelding points 110 shown in FIG. 17 so that the support 90 ispermanently fixed to the electrical box. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the support 90 is formed from metal as a one pieceintegral unit formed by cutting and stamping the sheet metal blankenfolding various portions of the blank to form the support.

The first longitudinal edge 106 of the body 100 includes a flange 112that extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body 100.The flange 112 is coupled to the body by a fold line 114 defining afrangible portion so that the flange 112 can be separated from the bodyby folding the flange along the fold line and breaking the fold line 114when it is desirable to separate the flange. The body 100 is providedwith recessed cutouts 116 adjacent the connecting point of the flange112 to assist in breaking the flange from the body. In the embodimentshown, the flange 112 includes a main portion 118 with legs 120 coupledto the body 100 can be easily separated from the body 101 desired. Theflange 112 has a dimension to contact the outer surface of the block 98as shown FIG. 16 to support and position the electrical box within theopening 96 and so that the open end of the electrical box issubstantially flush with the outer face of the block 98.

Referring to FIG. 17-21, a tab 122 extends from the body 100 at anincline with respect to the plane of the body 100. In one embodiment asshown, the tab is coupled to the second side edge 108 and is integrallyformed with the body 100. The tab 122 is coupled to the body 100 along aconnecting fold line 124 at the longitudinal ends of the tab 122. Tab122 has an outer edge 126 spaced from the body 100 so that the tab 122is positioned between the flange 112 and the spring member 128. The tab122 is spring biased outwardly with respect to the body 100 and isoriented to contact the side surface of the opening 96 in the block 98.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the tabs 122 of the support90 contact the opposite sides of the opening 96 to center the electricalbox 94 within the opening 96. Preferably, the tabs 122 are spring biasedoutwardly to contact the surfaces of the opening to assist in retainingthe electrical box within the opening during construction and to centerthe electrical box within the opening.

The spring member 128 is formed to contact the inner surface of thehollow core block 98 as in the previous embodiment and as shown in FIGS.10, 22 and 23. The spring member 128 is coupled to the body 100 alongthe second side edge 108 as shown FIG. 17-20, the spring member 128 hasa first end 130 coupled to the second side edge 108 of the body 100 tocontact end 132 spaced from the flange 112 the distance to capture theside wall of the building block 98 between the flange and the contactend of the spring member 128.

The spring member 128 is formed by a first leg 134 and a second leg 136.The first leg 134 has an inner end coupled to the body 100 by a foldline 138 and an outer end 140. Preferably, the first leg 134 is springbiased with respect to the body 100. In the embodiment shown, the firstleg 134 has a substantially V-shaped configuration extending from thebody 100 so that the respective legs of the V-shape are coupled to thebody 100 by the fold lines 138. The first leg 134 is angled at anincline with respect to the body 100 and extends outwardly from the body100 and away from the flange 112 as shown in FIG. 21. The second leg 136extends from the outer end 140 of the first leg 134. In the embodimentshown, the second leg 136 is oriented substantially perpendicular to theplane of the first leg 134 and extends in the direction generallytowards the flange 112.

The second leg 136 includes contact arms 144 defining guide members tocontact the inner surface of the building block 98 and to assist inguiding the electrical box and support into the opening 196 in the block98. The contact arms 144 are formed by a first section 146 extending atan incline with respect to the second leg 136 towards the flange 112.The first section 146 has a distal end 148 defining a contact endsurface of the spring 128. A second section 150 of the contact arm 144extends from the distal end 148 at an incline with respect to the planeof the first section 146 and extends away from the flange 112 to formthe contact arm 144 with a substantially V-shape. In the embodimentshown, the spring member 128 is provided with two contact arms 144extending in opposite directions from the second leg 136 to form thecontact surfaces of the spring member 128 with the inner surface of theblock 98. The contact arms 144 are preferably spring biased with respectto the second leg 36 along the fold line 152 between the side edges ofthe second leg 136 and the end of the first section 146 of the contactarms 144. The contact arms 144 are spring biased toward the flange 112to engage the inner face of the block as shown in FIG. 22.

The support 90 in the embodiment shown is attached to the electrical boxby welding or other suitable fastening means so that the flange 112 ispositioned at the open end 154 of the electrical box 94 as shown in FIG.22. The electrical box and the support 90 are positioned in the opening96 of the block 98 by sliding the electrical box and support into theopening in the direction of arrow 156 shown in FIG. 15. The contact arms144 of the support 90 contact the inner surface of the block 98 whilethe flange 112 contacts the outer surface of the block as shown in FIG.22. The spring biased tabs 122 projects outwardly from the body 100 tocontact the inner edges of the opening 96 to position the electrical box94 within the opening 96. As shown in FIG. 22, the tabs 122 preferablyposition the electrical box in substantially the center of the opening96. The contact arms 144 are biased towards the flange 112 to capturethe wall of the block 98 between the contact arms 144 and the flange112. The support 90 positions the electrical box within the opening ofthe block during construction of a wall or other structure. Cement ormortar used in the construction of the wall can be used to fix theposition of the electrical box and support within the opening 96. Oncethe mortar is set, the flanges 112 can be removed by bending along thefold line 114. The flanges 112 can be removed to avoid interference withthe electrical components mounted within the electrical box andfaceplates or other devices mounted to the opening of the electricalbox.

While various embodiments have been shown, it will be understood thatvarious changes and modifications can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A one piece, integrally formed electrical boxsupport for mounting an electrical box in an opening in a hollow corebuilding block, said support comprising: a substantially planar body formating with and coupling to a first side wall of the electrical box,said body having a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, afirst side edge and a second side edge; a flange integrally formed withsaid first side edge of said body and extending substantiallyperpendicular to a plane of said body and having a dimension to contactan outer surface of the block and to orient the outer edge of theelectrical box at the outer surface of the block; and a first springmember having a first end coupled to said second side edge of said bodyand having a first leg extending away from said body and a contact endextending toward said flange, said contact end being spring biasedtoward said flange and positioned to contact an inner surface of theblock and to capture the block between said flange and said second endof said spring member and support the electrical box in the hollowcavity of the block, said first spring member having a first side edgeand a second side edge, a first guide member extending from said firstside edge at an incline away from said contact end and away from saidflange in a first direction, and a second guide member extending fromsaid second side edge of said spring member at an incline away from saidcontact end and away from said flange in a second direction.
 2. Thesupport of claim 1, wherein a first tab extends from said first sideedge of said body and is configured for coupling to an open end of thefirst side wall of the electrical box to position said first side edgeof said body adjacent the open outer edge of the electrical box.
 3. Thesupport of claim 2, wherein said first tab is positioned at a firstlongitudinal end of said first side edge; and said support includes asecond tab positioned at a second longitudinal end of said first sideedge for coupling to said side wall of said electrical box.
 4. Thesupport of claim 3, wherein said first tab has a first hook positionedto hook onto an inner edge of the first end of the electrical box; andsaid second tab at said second longitudinal end of said body has asecond hook positioned to hook onto an inner edge of a second end of theelectrical box.
 5. The support of claim 1, wherein said first springmember is positioned at a first longitudinal end of said first side edgeof said body, and said support member has a second spring member at asecond longitudinal end of said body, said second spring member having afirst end coupled to said body and a contact end extending toward saidflange and being spring biased and positioned to contact the innersurface of the block.
 6. The support of claim 5, wherein said secondspring member has a first leg extending away from said body, a secondleg extending from said first leg, and a first guide member on a firstside of said second leg formed at an incline with respect to a plane ofsaid second leg and extending away from said flange, and a second guidemember on a second side of said second leg formed at an incline withrespect to said second leg and extending away from said flange and saidsecond leg.
 7. The support of claim 1, wherein said flange is coupled tosaid body by a frangible portion, and where said flange is removablefrom said body.
 8. The support of claim 1, wherein said first leg ofsaid spring is spring biased with respect to said body.
 9. The supportof claim 8, wherein said spring has a second leg extending from a secondend of said first leg, said first guide member extending from a firstside of said second leg, and said second guide member extending from asecond side of said second leg.
 10. The support of claim 1, furthercomprising a spring biased tab coupled to said body and extending from aplane of said body for contacting a side surface of the opening in thebuilding block, and being positioned between said flange and saidcontact the end of said first spring member.
 11. An electrical boxassembly comprising: an electrical box having a first and a second sidewall, a first and second end wall, and an open front; a one piece,integrally formed electrical box support having a body with a firstlongitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side edge and asecond side edge, said body being coupled to said first side wall ofsaid electrical box; a flange integrally formed with said first sideedge of said body and extending substantially perpendicular to a planeof said body, said flange having a dimension to engage an outer surfaceof a hollow core building block and positioning said electrical box inan opening in the building block; and a first spring member having afirst end coupled to said second side edge of said body and a second endwith a first side edge and second side edge, a first arm on said firstside edge of said spring member and extending toward said flange, and asecond arm on said second side edge of said spring member and extendingtoward said flange, said first arm and second arm having a contact end,and where said contact ends are spring biased toward said flange andhaving a dimension to engage an inner surface of the building block. 12.The assembly of claim 11, wherein a first tab having a substantiallyU-shape with a first end coupled to said first side edge of said bodyand a second end extending toward said second side edge of said body andconfigured for coupling to said first side wall of said electrical box.13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said first tab has a side edge anda hook projecting outwardly with respect to said first longitudinal endfor coupling with a first end of said electrical box.
 14. The assemblyof claim 13, further comprising a substantially U-shaped second tabhaving a first end coupled to said first side edge of said body at saidsecond longitudinal end, and a second end extending toward said secondside edge, said second tab having a side edge with a hook projectingoutward with respect to said second longitudinal end for coupling to asecond end of said electrical box.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, whereinsaid electrical box has a first inwardly extending flange coupled tosaid first end wall and where said first hook is oriented to couple withsaid first flange, and a second inwardly extending flange coupled tosaid second end wall of said electrical box, and where said second hookis oriented to couple to said second flange.
 16. The assembly of claim11, wherein said first spring member has a first leg coupled to andextending from said body and a second leg coupled to said first leg andextending toward said flange, said where second leg defines said secondend of said first spring member, and where said second leg is springbiased toward said flange with respect to said first leg, and where saidfirst arm extends from a first side edge of said second leg and secondarm extends from a second side of said second leg.
 17. The assembly ofclaim 11, wherein said first end of said spring member includes a firstleg coupled to said second side of said body and a second leg coupled tosaid first leg and is spring biased with respect to said body.
 18. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein said flange is coupled to said body by afrangible portion, and where said flange is removable from said body.19. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said spring member has a secondleg extending from a second end of said first leg, said second leghaving said first arm and second arm extending from said second leg tocontact the inner surface of the block, said first arm having a firstsection extending at an incline with respect to said second leg, saidfirst section having a distal end defining said contact end of saidspring.
 20. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a spring biasedtab coupled to said body and extending outwardly with respect to a planeof said body for contacting a side of the opening in the building blockand being positioned between said flange and said contact end of saidfirst spring member.
 21. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said firstarm has a first section extending toward said flange and defines saidcontact end of said first arm, and a second section extending from saidcontact end of said first section away from said flange.
 22. Theassembly of claim 21, wherein said second arm has a first sectionextending toward said flange and defines said contact end of said secondarm, and a second section extending from said contact end of said firstsection away from said flange.
 23. A method of mounting an electricalbox in an opening of a hollow core building block, said methodcomprising the steps of: providing at least one electrical box supportfor coupling to a side wall of the electrical box, said support having asubstantially planar body with a first longitudinal end, a secondlongitudinal end, a first side edge and a second side edge, a flangeextending from said first side edge substantially perpendicular to aplane of said body, and a spring member with a first end coupled to saidsecond side edge of said body and extending away from said flange, and acontact end extending toward said flange, said second end being springbiased toward said flange, said contact end having a first side edge anda second side edge, a first guide arm extending from said first sideedge at an incline in a first direction away from said flange and asecond guide arm extending from said second side edge at an incline in asecond direction away from said flange; coupling the body of the supportto an outer edge of the first side wall of the electrical box; andpositioning said electrical box and support in said opening in thehollow core building block, and positioning the flange against an outersurface of the block and biasing the contact end of the spring memberinto contact with an inner surface of the block and to mount theelectrical box with an open front edge substantially flush with an outersurface of the block.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein where saidmethod comprises sliding the electrical box and the support into theopening in the block.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein said supporthas a first tab extending from a side edge of said body, said first tabhaving a side edge with a first hook extending toward said firstlongitudinal end of said body and where said method further comprisescoupling said first hook to a first end of the electrical box.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the first end of the electrical box has afirst flange extending inwardly from the first end wall of theelectrical box, and where the first hook is coupled to the first flange.27. The method of claim 26, wherein the electrical box has a secondflange extending inwardly from a second end wall, and the support has asecond tab extending from the second side edge at a second longitudinalend, said second tab having a second hook, said method comprisingcoupling the second hook to the second flange of the electrical box. 28.The method of claim 23, wherein said body has a spring biased tabextending from said body and positioned between said flange and saidspring member to contact a side of the opening in the building block toposition the electrical box within the opening.
 29. The method of claim23, where said first end of said spring includes a first leg coupled tosaid second side edge of said body and extending away from said secondside edge, and a second leg coupled to said first leg and biased towardsaid flange with respect to said body and extending toward said flange.30. The method of claim 29, wherein said first leg extends away fromsaid flange.